IL6 and colorectal carcinoma: Epithelial cells may influence the activation and function of fibroblasts by secreting signaling molecules, such as TGF-β, IL-6, and Wnt ligands (key mediators of stromal-epithelial crosstalk in CRC), while fibroblasts can provide nutritional support to epithelial cells and regulate their proliferation and migration (Sheppard, 2015).